Killer Infographicshttp://killerinfographics.com
Media & DesignMon, 02 Mar 2015 23:45:53 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.0.1Infographic: A History of Capitol Hillhttp://killerinfographics.com/infographic-a-history-of-capitol-hill.html
http://killerinfographics.com/infographic-a-history-of-capitol-hill.html#commentsMon, 02 Mar 2015 19:28:03 +0000http://killerinfographics.com/?p=7408Killer Infographics just made the move from Fremont to Capitol Hill. It’s an exciting new neighborhood to explore, full of art, food, and amazing happy hour opportunities. It’s also full of rich history, and we jumped at the chance to dig into our new neighborhood’s past. Capitol Hill wasn’t always hipsters,...

]]>Killer Infographics just made the move from Fremont to Capitol Hill. It’s an exciting new neighborhood to explore, full of art, food, and amazing happy hour opportunities. It’s also full of rich history, and we jumped at the chance to dig into our new neighborhood’s past.

Capitol Hill wasn’t always hipsters, condos, and fancy restaurants. It started out, just like the rest of Seattle, as deep woods. Seattle’s timber industry logged it off in the 1880s, and in 1900, a man named James Moore bought the first parcel of land that would become today’s Capitol Hill and began to develop it.

As the city grew, it spread out from Pioneer Square and downtown, creeping up the hill. By the mid 1910s, the Hill was full of furniture stores, funeral homes, and Seattle’s largest concentration of auto dealerships. Many of the old buildings still standing in the Pike/Pine neighborhood are early-20th-century garages.

Capitol Hill’s residential north end became Seattle’s biggest Catholic neighborhood, so much so that Seattleites started calling the Hill “Catholic Hill.” Many of them were blue-collar families: Boeing laborers or dock workers. They attended church at St. Joseph’s and sent their kids to Holy Names Academy or Seattle Preparatory School. In the 1970s, Boeing laid off more than 40,000 of its Northwest employees, and many of these families lost their incomes. The depression hit Seattle, and especially Capitol Hill, hard. Thousands of families left. Businesses all over the Hill closed. Near SeaTac, a billboard appeared that read “Will the last person leaving Seattle — turn out the lights.”

Ironically, this depression sowed the seeds of Capitol Hill’s counterculture revival in the 70s and 80s, as well as its development boom in the new millennium. As the neighborhood fell into disrepair, rents dropped. Taking advantage of the dirt-cheap cost of living, artists, ex-hippies, and activists moved in. So did LGBTQ people looking for a community. Gay Pride Week took over Broadway in 1982 and was held on the Hill for the next 25 years. With tons of gay bars, counseling centers, and events, Capitol Hill welcomed queer culture like few neighborhoods in the country.

In the last 10 years, big development and the city’s tech boom has changed the face of the neighborhood. Now gay rights activists and artists rub shoulders with programmers and tech millionaires. Today, the Hill is home to innumerable Seattle touchstones: Dick’s Drive-In, Volunteer Park, Cornish College of the Arts, the offices of The Stranger, the Egyptian, the Capitol Hill Block Party, Elliott Bay Book Company, and hundreds of the city’s most beloved restaurants, galleries, bars, and boutiques. It’s a microcosm of Seattle, and Killer Infographics is beyond excited to be a part of the thriving and diverse neighborhood that is Capitol Hill.

Written by Ian Denning

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]]>http://killerinfographics.com/infographic-a-history-of-capitol-hill.html/feed0Killer Infographics: New Space, New Look, Same Valueshttp://killerinfographics.com/killer-infographics-new-space-new-look-values-2.html
http://killerinfographics.com/killer-infographics-new-space-new-look-values-2.html#commentsMon, 09 Feb 2015 14:00:00 +0000http://killerinfographics.com/?p=7008It’s been estimated that as much as 80% of VC- and angel-funded startups will fail within the first couple years of opening their doors, making it quite the treat when a bootstrap startup finds itself ringing in its fifth consecutive year of business. It’s even more of a celebratory event...

It’s been estimated that as much as 80% of VC- and angel-funded startups will fail within the first couple years of opening their doors, making it quite the treat when a bootstrap startup finds itself ringing in its fifth consecutive year of business. It’s even more of a celebratory event when that startup moves into its fourth office out of the necessity to accommodate its rapidly growing staff and clientele. At Killer Infographics, we have definitely been fortunate enough to experience such a positive trend and are elated to announce our relocation to the historic and eclectic Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle.

Nestled above McMenamins Six Arms pub on the corner of Pike and Melrose, Killer Infographics has taken over 4,000+ square feet of open space to call its own for the next four years. This new space will be a welcome addition to the internal transformations our company has experienced; transformations that many startups experience, are not always able to adapt to and overcome. We like to believe that in order to successfully navigate these transformations, a company must think about the empowerment of its employees and the establishment of a set of core values to aid in its growth.

Over the past five years Killer Infographics has instituted six core values, allowing us to identify who we are, what we stand for, and what we need to do as a team in order to maintain a happy and successful work environment. Of course not everyone will have the same core values as we do, but maybe these will help spark some ideas:

1. Keep Learning

While we are confident in our expertise, we are humbled by the knowledge that we will never be done learning. We will always remain open and supportive of new ideas and eager to learn from our customers, our projects, and each other.

2. Inspire Others

We push our own creative boundaries, seek out new challenges, and work cooperatively to develop the best possible products for our clients while inspiring our community and colleagues through our designs and actions.

3. Lead By Example

We hold ourselves accountable in both our work and our treatment of others. We will not make excuses for setbacks, place blame on others, or take advantage of misunderstandings. We will instead embrace the challenges before us, accepting honest responsibility as each situation may dictate.

4. Love What We Do

We believe our success stems from the simple fact that we enjoy what we do and have fun as a team. We will always encourage a company culture that supports communal and individual growth, celebrates creative challenges, and makes the happiness of our employees, customers, and community a top priority.

5. Embrace Change

We are agile and resilient by nature. We recognize that success for our company and our clients requires us to never rest on our laurels, but to instead continually innovate, adapt to emerging trends, and remain open and responsive to the future that lies ahead.

6. Respect Others

We believe in building all relationships on a foundation of mutual respect. We will practice empathy in all interactions, and will never accept arrogance as a form of communication.

7. (Bonus Value) Make New Friends

Being the new kids on the block, we want to make a good first impression and show that we are here to not only build our business, but to contribute toward an already thriving community of creatives and thought leaders across all industries.

This move is not only a welcome necessity for more elbow room — it is one that will allow us to start fresh, gain a new perspective, and develop a level of maturation that was quickly outgrowing our old office. This doesn’t mean we forget our humble beginnings or the wonderful memories and friendships developed from the previous Killer Crib. Instead, it’s a move that will match up with our neverending desire to fulfill and improve upon the mission, vision, and values created by the very team that makes this company what it is.

]]>http://killerinfographics.com/killer-infographics-new-space-new-look-values-2.html/feed0The Data Behind Deflategatehttp://killerinfographics.com/data-behind-deflate-gate.html
http://killerinfographics.com/data-behind-deflate-gate.html#commentsThu, 29 Jan 2015 22:21:18 +0000http://killerinfographics.com/?p=7001Click to Enlarge As a company based in Seattle (and true Seahawks fans), we’d be lying if we said that we weren’t following the Patriots’ Deflategate controversy closely. Just two weeks ago, this seemed to us like a random accusation that wouldn’t play out in the media for too long,...

As a company based in Seattle (and true Seahawks fans), we’d be lying if we said that we weren’t following the Patriots’ Deflategate controversy closely. Just two weeks ago, this seemed to us like a random accusation that wouldn’t play out in the media for too long, but with only a few days until the big game it is still a trending story. And as that story unfolds, the data behind it is overwhelming.

Last week, football data analyst Warren Sharp uncovered an interesting trend that began in 2007 with the New England Patriots. Around 2006, Tom Brady led the charge for what seemed like a simple rule change in the NFL: the offense should provide their own footballs for road games. Prior to this rule change, home teams provided the footballs used for the entire game. The new rule seemed innocent enough. In fact, Brady argued it well, stating:

The thing is, every quarterback likes it a little bit different. Some like them blown up a little bit more, some like them a little more thin, some like them a little more new, some like them really broken in.

Sharp found that the Patriots’ game improved significantly in the seasons immediately following. They began fumbling half as much as the NFL average, while all other teams remained the same. In addition, their win rate nearly doubled. When 79% of a game’s success is determined by turnovers, any team that finds a way to control their rate of turnover can control the game. While it’s possible that the Patriots simply found a way to work better as a team, or maybe that they’re just amazing players, the data shows that performance changes like this are nearly impossible without some form of intervention.

The above infographic presents the data that Sharp uncovered. Have the Patriots been deflating balls since 2007? If so, does it matter?

]]>http://killerinfographics.com/data-behind-deflate-gate.html/feed0SXSW V2V, A Meeting Place for Startupshttp://killerinfographics.com/sxsw-v2v-meeting-place-startups.html
http://killerinfographics.com/sxsw-v2v-meeting-place-startups.html#commentsWed, 14 Jan 2015 19:31:59 +0000http://killerinfographics.com/?p=6967The post SXSW V2V, A Meeting Place for Startups appeared first on Killer Infographics.
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One of our favorite presentations at last year’s SXSW V2V conference in Las Vegas was about building a startup community. Running your own company can be a lonely business — for the first several years, at least, it amounts to mountains of work and 12-hour days. So Dylan Jorgensen (TicketCake.com), Jennifer Chin (LaunchBit), Kelly Eidson (Moveline), and Porter Haney (Wedgies) set out to enumerate all the advantages of making connections with other startup founders and community leaders, explaining why making meaningful connections with other entrepreneurs doesn’t just mean finding fellow travelers — it means finding tactics to grow your business, staying motivated, and getting inspired.

Over the course of our four years in Seattle, Killer Infographics has made so many meaningful connections with local businesses and organizations, from GeekWire to TINYpulse. But we also see the value of stepping outside our comfort zone. SXSW V2V describes itself as “an extension and re-imagining of the legendary SXSW experience with an emphasis on the nuts and bolts education startups need to ensure entrepreneurial innovation and success.” Like so many of the companies that attend this event, SXSW is young — only three years old. For Killer Infographics co-founder Nick Grant, who attended the event last year, that translated to a flood of fresh ideas, thought-provoking discussions, and a general air of excitement about just how much these companies could accomplish together.

We discovered what startups can learn from rock stars — persistence, creative adaptability, and a healthy helping of obsession with your work — and John Maeda (Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers) taught us a lot about how to keep an artistic team motivated. We learned how organizations like Zappos and the NFL overcome obstacles and take smart risks. Facing your fears and finding a support system was the center of discussion for Adam Marelli (Adam Marelli Photo), Helen Todd (Sociality Squared), Jey Van-Sharp (MyUberLife), and Jim Hopkinson (Hopkinson Creative Media).

In short, SXSW V2V became a new startup community for us — a community from which we’ve learned a lot already.

At this year’s conference, we’d like to offer up what we’ve learned in our four years as a design startup. We’ve proposed four presentations for the event coming up July 19-22, 2015, in Las Vegas. And as of Monday, Jan. 12, voting has begun. Anyone can submit a proposal through the SXSW PanelPicker, but which presentations actually make it to the conference depends in large part on the voting public. Voting only lasts through Jan. 23, so if you’re an entrepreneur or startup, consider checking out our proposals and voting for some (or all) of them to appear at SXSW V2V 2015. Here’s how to vote:

Design Your Visually Inspired Marketing Campaign: VP of Marketing & Sales Charlie Holbert and Art Director Alaina Johnson team up for a workshop on how to harness data visualization and visual communication for a downright viral-worthy marketing campaign.

Empowering the Female Founder: KIG co-founder Amy Balliett leads a core conversation on the unique challenges that female leaders face in the world of entrepreneurship — and points out the unique skills women bring to the table.

Bootstrapping from Zero to Millions in 2 Years: Co-founders Nick Grant and Amy Balliett explain how they built a multi-million-dollar company on a $750 investment, and offer practical tips on how other startups can do the same thing.

Don’t forget to click the thumbs-up icon if you’d like to vote for one or more of these presentations.

]]>http://killerinfographics.com/sxsw-v2v-meeting-place-startups.html/feed0Holiday Charcuterie Plate Guidehttp://killerinfographics.com/holiday-charcuterie-plate-guide.html
http://killerinfographics.com/holiday-charcuterie-plate-guide.html#commentsMon, 15 Dec 2014 21:37:30 +0000http://killerinfographics.com/?p=5431It goes without saying, but we will anyway: a meat and cheese plate is the single best offering at any holiday gathering, but how does one begin to pick out the best options among all of those holiday gift sets? We tasked our team with compiling a list of our...

]]>It goes without saying, but we will anyway: a meat and cheese plate is the single best offering at any holiday gathering, but how does one begin to pick out the best options among all of those holiday gift sets? We tasked our team with compiling a list of our favorite items so you don’t have to.

Spicy Sausage:

Spicy sausage has a tingly aftertaste that forces us to reevaluate the meaning of the word. Though its sweet, jerky-like flavor gives it points for charm, we just can’t get over the dragon breath side effect. Pass on this one if you don’t think you can take the heat.

Turkey Sausage:

If it were possible to set meats in a gelatin mold, turkey sausage would be the result. We love the tangy notes of BBQ sauce and the subtle notes of kibble. If you’re looking for something to share with your four-legged companions, this is the way to go.

Summer Sausage:

Summer sausage typically looks a bit like uncooked breakfast meat, but don’t let that deter you. As a bonus, they sport a healthy mix of fully and partially germinated mustard seeds. When you’re done making your charcuterie dreams come true, bury a slice of this bad boy next to your most beloved succulent and start your own mystery meat garden. This is must for fans of multi-purpose meat products.

Farmhouse Cheddar:

If you have ever wondered what would happen if modelling clay were to collide with instant macaroni, look no further. Its crumbly texture makes it very pliable – which means you can mold it into any shape you please, and you don’t need teeth to eat it. Skip this if you prefer something with a bit more substance.

Cheese and Onion Blend:

Though it can be hard to identify the secret ingredient that gives this cheese its unnaturally robust flavor, we’ve got a hunch that it has something to do with whatever’s at the end of a bag of sour cream and onion chips. We’re not mad about it, and we don’t think you’ll be either.

Smoked Cheddar:

The smoky aroma of this cheese never fails to call up fond memories of eating frozen dinners next to the campfire. More structurally sound than other cheeses, it is often comes lovingly toasted in a panini press before being shipped off to packaging – a nice touch.

Jalapeño Cheddar:

For those who love spray cheese and wet, spicy chalk, this is a must-have. Every once in a while, we are lucky enough to get a batch in which the manufacturer has dropped an entire container of red pepper flakes and said “eh, happens.” This is that batch.

Swiss:

A charcuterie plate can be an emotional roller coaster of unfamiliar texture and taste combinations, which makes swiss cheese so delightfully unremarkable. The flavor lands somewhere on the spectrum between “meh” and “so-so,”which is exactly what you’re looking for.

Golden Toasted Crackers:

When in doubt, keep things simple. A plain, semi-stale cracker will pair well with each item in your selection and have the added value of being an aggressive palate cleanser.

Honey Mustard:

This spread is the perfect marriage of baby food, mustard, and a pound of sugar. Its slippery texture glistens like a diamond in the rough, because that is exactly what it is. The uncanny likeness of fast food sweet and sour sauce makes this item a great pairing with absolutely everything. Buy several containers for your party, and keep one in your car for when a french fry craving hits.

]]>http://killerinfographics.com/holiday-charcuterie-plate-guide.html/feed0A Motion Graphic Composer Abroadhttp://killerinfographics.com/motion-graphic-composer-abroad.html
http://killerinfographics.com/motion-graphic-composer-abroad.html#commentsTue, 14 Oct 2014 15:16:02 +0000http://killerinfographics.com/?p=5149Think about your favorite movie of all time. What does it sound like? We’re willing to bet that the soundtrack and the ambient music playing throughout the movie made a huge difference in how you felt from the opening scenes to the closing credits. That’s why it’s no surprise that...

]]>Think about your favorite movie of all time. What does it sound like? We’re willing to bet that the soundtrack and the ambient music playing throughout the movie made a huge difference in how you felt from the opening scenes to the closing credits. That’s why it’s no surprise that original music can have a huge impact on how viewers react to a video or motion graphic.

Daniel L.K. Caldwell has composed original scores for several of Killer Infographics’ most successful motion graphics. Now, Daniel is on the road, somewhere in the middle of a three-month trek across three Asian countries. So we thought this would be a great opportunity to introduce some of Daniel’s work, and explain why we think original scores can make a good motion graphic great.

Read on to hear some of Daniel’s music, to watch videos featuring his work, and to learn how his travels have influenced his work as a motion graphic composer.

A Few Examples of Daniel’s Work

One of Daniel’s first videos from Hong Kong offers up a powerful example of just how well music can set the pace for a video:

Music is just as powerful when it comes to setting the pace and tone in motion graphics, and Daniel has proven to be very versatile. He’s committed to finding the right sound for every piece. Here’s just one example of his motion graphic work, a video for the 2014 GeekWire Awards. Bright, inspiring tones evoke the innovation for which Seattle is famous in this motion graphic:

Another video about the history of vaccines features a subtle crescendo inspiring a sense of discovery and, eventually, of hope. Meanwhile, a piece for Cognizant features an energy and momentum that will naturally inspire excitement in any viewer — and that’s pretty useful if you’re trying to get viewers excited about your product.

Here’s another example from Daniel’s portfolio, which you can check out for yourself at daniellkcaldwell.com:

A Motion Graphic Composer Abroad: Q&A

Daniel has just moved on to Japan, but we caught up with him while he was still in Hong Kong to ask him a few questions.

Q: Where have you traveled so far, and where will your trip take you?

Daniel: I’ve spent almost two weeks in Hong Kong so far and I’m going to be heading over to Japan next month (October), followed by Vietnam in November.

Q: What drew you to travel to these places?

Daniel: I’ve always had a love for Japan (half Japanese and grew up with Japanese culture/food). And I wanted to do a trip in that incorporated different parts of Asia. Hong Kong was attractive partially because English is very common here. And it also is just an incredibly exciting city. Lots to do and see.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about the music you compose, and how you approach creating music that truly complements a video’s aesthetic and message?

Daniel: Since I’ve started working as a commercial composer, I’ve had to write a large variety of different styles of music. It all depends on the specific project and the emotion the client wants to represent. Based on that, I decide what type of mood, timbre, instrumentation, and overall impression I want to relay.

Q: Has your travel influenced your music, and if so, how?

Daniel: So far my travel has influenced my music in that, I want to write more in my free time. I’m finding myself itching to write more. Mostly just for fun, which is a good feeling to have.

Why Use an Original Score in Your Motion Graphic?

As our Motion Director and Digital Producer, Josh Miles, explains, original compositions ensure that a motion graphic has the exact tone, rhythm, and pacing required for maximum impact.

“Stock music can sound generic, and generic sounds cheap,” Josh says. “If the viewer thinks you’ve skimped on quality, they’ll then question the content in your video — and this undermines the story you are trying to tell. Music composed specifically for your motion graphic will add new narrative levels, rounding out the viewing experience, legitimizing the argument your video makes.”

]]>http://killerinfographics.com/motion-graphic-composer-abroad.html/feed0Meet the Makers: A killer look into SIC 2014http://killerinfographics.com/sic-2014.html
http://killerinfographics.com/sic-2014.html#commentsMon, 13 Oct 2014 18:40:29 +0000http://killerinfographics.com/?p=5234Seattle is a great hub for technology and innovation. With companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Adobe calling Seattle home, it is no surprise that there are a few events to celebrate and share Seattle’s thriving tech culture. One event in particular, the Seattle Interactive Conference (or SIC for short) is...

Seattle is a great hub for technology and innovation. With companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Adobe calling Seattle home, it is no surprise that there are a few events to celebrate and share Seattle’s thriving tech culture. One event in particular, the Seattle Interactive Conference (or SIC for short) is widely known for bringing together some of the brightest minds in the tech industry for a chance to present, inspire, and network. In the past, SIC has featured many notable luminaries from the likes of Google, Facebook, and even well known, local companies such as MOZ and Razorfish. The theme for this year’s SIC event is focused on spotlighting “makers”, individuals who pave the way for future innovation. Today’s makers can be found just about everywhere, from enterprising startup entrepreneurs to visionary leaders -the list goes on.

As a city known for it’s coffee and rain, Seattle is also quickly becoming a staple name in the tech industry as well. With hundreds of local tech startups already on the rise, it is apparent that this city is ready to be a future leader in the world of tech-based enterprises. Businesses in this area owe it to events like SIC, SMX, and any one of the fantastic events hosted by GeekWire because they continue to foster a passion for growth and business opportunity. This confluence of culture and new ideas presents an incredible source of inspiration unparalleled in the Northwest.

Some notable highlights in this year’s SIC event will feature a great lineup of industry professionals featuring representatives from brands such as Starbucks, AOL and Adobe. In addtion, there will be plenty of local tech business owners who will be covering a wide variety of topics from business development to social media and everything in between. Be sure and make a schedule for yourself because there will be a number of great sessions to attend. Sessions will be sorted under three categories: digital, develop, and (our personal favorite) design. Although there will be many presentations to choose from, here are a few sessions we think are worth checking out: Among the digital sessions, look out for MOZ SEO guru and keynote speaker, Rand Fishkin’s presentation on ways to improve web based marketing. Learn the art of real time storytelling with Dustin Callif of Tool in the develop category. Finally, be sure and get the low down on design with David Schwarz of HUSH on interactive storytelling.

The Killers are back! Fresh off the plane from Adobe MAX and returning to SIC for the second consecutive year, Co-Founder of Killer Infographics Amy Balliett will host a session on “The Impact of Visual Communication: How to Produce Content That Engages Your Audience & Makes a Difference”. In this presentation, Amy will discuss the power of visual communication and the science and strategy behind marketing visual media and content. Whatever your business, this session will be filled with valuable takeaways, from creating engaging content to learning new strategies to deliver a compelling visual message. A picture says a thousand words. Make your message heard. Session time: Thursday October 16th from 1:30 – 2:20 in room 302.

Get ready to learn. SIC is one of the best opportunities to meet industry leaders and like minded professionals. Most importantly do not limit yourself, try to attend a variety of different sessions if you can. Whether you are a marketer or a designer, it in your best interest to get the most out of this event by attending as many sessions as possible. The Seattle Interactive Conference is a once a year event to experience, learn, and network. The event will take place on October 15th – 16th at the Washington State Convention Center. See you there!

]]>http://killerinfographics.com/sic-2014.html/feed0Adobe MAX – The Must-Go-To Creative Conference!http://killerinfographics.com/adobe-max-must-go-creative-conference.html
http://killerinfographics.com/adobe-max-must-go-creative-conference.html#commentsThu, 02 Oct 2014 16:10:08 +0000http://killerinfographics.com/?p=5315As one of the major brands in the field of creative design, it is no wonder that Adobe holds one of the biggest creative conferences in the world. Since its debut in 2003, Adobe MAX has featured some of the creative industry’s best and brightest minds sharing their knowledge through...

]]>As one of the major brands in the field of creative design, it is no wonder that Adobe holds one of the biggest creative conferences in the world. Since its debut in 2003, Adobe MAX has featured some of the creative industry’s best and brightest minds sharing their knowledge through immersive workshops and presentations. In addition to the speakers, attendees can always look forward to a preview of upcoming Adobe products as well.

Learning from the experts is one of the main reasons to attend the event. Keynote speakers at this year’s MAX conference include Lee Hirsch, Jason Seiler, ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic (oddly enough) and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Among this fantastic lineup, Killer co-founders Amy Balliett and Nick Grant will be returning to MAX to present on The 10 Golden Rules of Infographic Design.

Be prepared to dive deep into the world of infographics in this presentation. As a continuation of last year’s session, Amy and Nick will once again be picking up the discussion on infographic design. This year’s talk, however, will primarily focus on specific details addressed in last year’s presentation, this time on a more in-depth level. Topics pertaining to this year’s session will cover everything — from creating engagement with your customers to finding the perfect balance between data and design. For those attending this session, remember to take notes, as there will be plenty of take-aways on best practices for marketing your infographic as well as the dos and don’ts of infographic design.

With over 200 sessions and labs available throughout the four-day event, attendees will have the chance to learn from a variety of different sessions. Each presentation will be organized into various categories, or tracks, all focused on a specific discipline. Take your pick from digital design, publishing, graphic design & illustration, or video. It’s a full spectrum of presentations that have been expertly crafted to help attendees get the most out of the event.

Get ready to learn, listen, participate, and share. Adobe MAX is an in-depth learning opportunity that should not be missed. Whether you are the president of a Fortune 500 company or a startup entrepreneur, MAX is sure to have something for everybody. Last but not least, have fun!

]]>http://killerinfographics.com/adobe-max-must-go-creative-conference.html/feed0Company culture spotlight: Meet the team of Killer Infographicshttp://killerinfographics.com/meet-team.html
http://killerinfographics.com/meet-team.html#commentsThu, 25 Sep 2014 18:09:33 +0000http://killerinfographics.com/?p=5182Behind every successful company is a talented team of individuals, each with their own unique skill set and talents. New team members shouldn’t just have great work experience and scholastic merit, they should fit within the company culture. With fewer than 30 employees, Killer Infographics is a unique collective of...

Behind every successful company is a talented team of individuals, each with their own unique skill set and talents. New team members shouldn’t just have great work experience and scholastic merit, they should fit within the company culture. With fewer than 30 employees, Killer Infographics is a unique collective of illustrators, writers, gamers, and most importantly, creative thinkers.

Company culture especially plays an important part in the startup world. Startups everywhere are embracing innovative work models, and collaborative spaces are a must when outfitting an office. While the old adage “work hard, play hard” might have carried some weight in the past, many startups are now emphasizing having fun while working hard. Killer’s newest design project manager, Lauren Cunningham, says that what she enjoys most about the culture at Killer Infographics is the comfortable atmosphere and the emphasis on cooperation and teamwork.

Glamorous office perks and a fancy space are great, but company culture comes from the individuals who are a part of it. At its core, the hallmarks of a great culture are team unity, a great sense of humor, and above all, a firm belief in the company’s mission and values. For more information, stop by our about us page to get to know the Killer team.

]]>http://killerinfographics.com/meet-team.html/feed0Shark Week: 3 Killer Tips for Content Marketinghttp://killerinfographics.com/shark-week-3-killer-tips-for-content-marketing.html
http://killerinfographics.com/shark-week-3-killer-tips-for-content-marketing.html#commentsTue, 12 Aug 2014 21:12:57 +0000http://killerinfographics.com/?p=4992It’s that time of the year again, folks. Shark Week is here! Fans all around will be tuning in for all the carnage and slow-mo reels of one of the deep’s most terrifying beasts. Likewise, it is no surprise that this is a highly anticipated event for many businesses as...

]]>It’s that time of the year again, folks. Shark Week is here! Fans all around will be tuning in for all the carnage and slow-mo reels of one of the deep’s most terrifying beasts. Likewise, it is no surprise that this is a highly anticipated event for many businesses as well. Many brands will be getting ready to take a bite out of the fun while also boosting brand engagement at the same time. Because social media plays such a big role in the way we receive and interact with the information around us, it’s no wonder that brands everywhere will be looking to hop aboard the Shark Week trend with the hope of increasing engagement numbers. Without further ado, here are 3 tips for generating Killer content:

1. Make it relatable!

It’s obvious what Shark Week is about, but more likely than not your brand has nothing to do with the eating habits of 25 ft. great white. Simply put, how can you use this opportunity to leverage your brand? Easy — start with the basics. Humor is a great way to connect with any type of audience. A recent Facebook post by the UW Alumni Association demonstrated that with a little Photoshop magic, a simple photo can be made into a viral-worthy image. With over a hundred shares in a couple of hours, this photo is a great example of content that is both relatable and relevant. When posting new material, always try to include an illustration or photo along with your written message… In the world of content marketing, staying visual is key!

2. Be smart about promotion.

One of the easiest ways to cultivate engagement from potential readers is through tagging on social media. Whether you’re using Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media platform, make sure you do your research first. Specifically, spend a little time to find out what hashtags are trending and what will be the best tag to use for maximum engagement. A good tip is to seek out the originator of the tags and align your hashtags with their formula. Fortunately, the Discovery channel has made engagement easy by promoting the use of the hashtag “#SharkWeek” for any who wish to follow along. Lastly, in order for you to make your content known to specific people or brands, make sure to tag those who you want to see your work. Always keep an eye out for trend influencers or anyone who will be likely to repost your content.

3. Don’t end up sleeping with the fishes! Get creative and play to your company’s strengths.

The marketing opportunities that accompany Shark Week are endless. Many brands have taken to creating a limited supply of Shark-Week-themed products. In particular, Dunkin’ Donuts created a “Shark Bite” donut frosted to look like a life preserver. The important thing to keep in mind is to use what resources are readily available and apply them to your strategy. With a little wit and creativity you should be on your way to creating awesome content! Check out our latest infographic in honor of Shark Week: